ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 9, 2025
Yesterday was the first Pentecost Sunday that I was not in a sanctuary (excluding the pandemic) in probably forty years or more. I did watch four services online, and because it’s one of my favorite church holidays, online was not quite the same. If you’ve been around much on Pentecost, then you’ve probably heard me say that one of the many reasons I like Pentecost is that it is an important day on the church calendar that Hallmark and others have not figured out a way of capitalizing on it economically. As a kid, I remember having Sunday School classes where we had cupcakes with candles to celebrate the church’s birthday. Though I had no cake yesterday, I was moved by numerous sermons reconnecting congregations with the purpose and calling of the church. Some were more big picture, speaking of the Church Universal’s purpose, while others were more focused on local context. A line I heard from one of those sermons was simply, “Hey church! For being just a few years shy of two millennia, you really don’t look your age.” I thought it was a funny comment, though I will have to suggest that there are times when we look our age. But here’s the tragic part—it’s good to show your age when age brings wisdom, insightful experiences, and appreciation of what social evolution looks like for an institution that has some age. But too often the church can look old, and thinking some contemporary music or a more nuanced approach to church structure will bring some youthfulness is untrue. In fact, it will be nothing more than bad makeup. It doesn’t cover the age. I’m not saying those are bad things, but if the heart and purpose of the church are not alive and relevant, no amount of modern posturing will allow the church to live its divine calling in the current moment. You know people who bring with them wisdom that reflects their age and experiences, yet they still have curiosity and a willingness to look at the new and unexpected and not automatically be frightened. That should be the church.
With your love, Amazing God, I believe your church can continue to be an energetic and life-giving expression of kindness, mercy, and justice. Help me to be one part of that evolving church. Amen.
